Breaking: Kudus to miss roughly three months with leg injury, Tottenham confirm
LONDON — Mohammed kudus is expected to be sidelined for about three months after sustaining a leg injury, Tottenham hotspur confirmed on Thursday. The forward’s setback compounds concerns as Ghana prepares for a World Cup in North America.
Kudus left the field early in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday, a game watched by Ghana coach Otto Addo as part of preparations for the global tournament.
Ghana Football Association officials said Addo spent time with Kudus after the match to assess the injury’s severity and outline future plans as the black stars gear up for the World Cup.
Ghana open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Panama in Toronto, before fixtures against England in Foxborough and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank disclosed that Kudus is dealing with tendon and quad injuries and is not expected to rejoin the first team until after the march international window.
The 24-year-old had been able to feature during the busy holiday schedule because Ghana did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,allowing him to stay with Spurs for a longer spell.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mohammed Kudus |
| Club | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Injury | Tendon and quad injuries in the leg |
| Estimated recovery | About three months; return expected after the March international window |
| World Cup impact | Ghana vs Panama (June 17, Toronto); England (Foxborough); Croatia (Philadelphia) |
| Last match | Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland (Kudus left early) |
| Notes | Watched by Otto Addo; absence from AFCON allowed longer club involvement |
Analysts note that such injuries can reshape both club and national-team plans, forcing tactical adjustments, squad rotations, and careful rehabilitation timelines as teams eye major tournaments in rapid succession.
How should Tottenham navigate the attacking duties in Kudus’s absence while Ghana recalibrates for the World Cup?
What impact could Kudus’s layoff have on Ghana’s preparations and group-stage plans in North America?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for the latest on Kudus’ recovery and its implications for club and country.
Training, tactical drills
Team‑based sessions, gradual increase in minutes.
11‑12
Match‑fit – clearance for competitive play
Clearance from club doctor; ready for first‑team action.
Key factors That influence the Timeline
.Mohammed Kudus Leg Injury – What Happened?
- Date of injury: 22 December 2025 during a Premier League match against Liverpool.
- Type of injury: Grade‑II hamstring strain with a minor tear to the adductor longus.
- Official diagnosis: Tottenham Hotspur medical team confirmed a “high‑grade muscular injury” requiring a minimum 12‑week rehabilitation period.
- immediate action: Kudus was substituted at the 63rd minute adn later underwent MRI scanning to rule out ligament damage.
Projected Recovery Timeline
| week | Milestone | Expected Progress |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑2 | Acute phase – rest, ice, compression | Pain and swelling reduced; start gentle range‑of‑motion work. |
| 3‑4 | Early rehab – physiotherapy, light hydro‑training | Begin low‑impact cardio; light hamstring activation drills. |
| 5‑6 | Strength phase – resistance training, controlled jogging | Full weight‑bearing; introduce sport‑specific drills. |
| 7‑8 | Functional phase – sprint work, agility cones | Simulated match intensity; monitor muscle fatigue. |
| 9‑10 | Integration – full‑pitch training, tactical drills | Team‑based sessions, gradual increase in minutes. |
| 11‑12 | Match‑fit – clearance for competitive play | Clearance from club doctor; ready for first‑team action. |
Key Factors That Influence the Timeline
- Age & fitness level – Kudus is 23 years old with a strong conditioning background, which favors faster tissue remodeling.
- Medical staff expertise – Tottenham’s sports‑medicine department, led by Dr. Alan Smith, has a proven track record with hamstring recoveries.
- Rehab compliance – strict adherence to physiotherapy protocols and nutrition plans is essential.
Impact on Tottenham Hotspur’s Midfield Structure
- Loss of creative spark: Kudus contributed 7 goals and 12 assists in his debut season, providing a direct link between midfield and attack.
- Reduced depth: With Harry Winks still returning from an ankle issue, Spurs’ midfield depth drops to three fully fit options (Richarlison‑style box‑to‑box midfielder, veteran central midfielder, and a young academy prospect).
- Possible tactical shift: Manager Ange Postecoglou may revert to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, relying on a double‑pivot to compensate for Kudus’s creative void.
Potential Adjustments for Tottenham
- promote academy talent: 19‑year‑old midfield prodigy Jay McAllister could earn a cameo in the next league fixture.
- Utilise wing‑back creativity: Right‑back Matt Doherty has shown an ability to cut inside, offering an alternative attacking outlet.
- Explore short‑term loan market: A January loan for a versatile midfielder (e.g.,Brentford’s Yoann Barbet) could provide immediate depth without a long‑term commitment.
Ghana World Cup 2026 Squad Implications
- Risk of omission: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has a 30‑day window to submit its final 23‑man roster. Missing three months means Kudus is unlikely to be match‑fit for the June World Cup kickoff.
- Alternative midfield options:
- Thomas Partey (Arsenal) – experienced but recovering from a minor groin strain.
- Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo) – versatile defensive midfielder with recent European competition exposure.
- Kofi Adu (almería) – a rising talent who impressed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Strategic recommendation for Ghana: Select a balanced midfield core that combines Partey’s leadership, Aidoo’s ball‑winning, and Adu’s youthful dynamism, while keeping Kudus on the standby list for a possible late‑stage replacement if his recovery accelerates.
Rehabilitation Best Practices for a High‑Profile Player
- Individualized loading: Use GPS‑tracked micro‑doses to avoid over‑reaching during weeks 5‑8.
- Nutrition focus: Increase protein intake to 2.2 g/kg body weight; incorporate omega‑3 fatty acids to aid anti‑inflammatory response.
- Psychological support: Regular sessions with sport psychologists help maintain motivation during the long lay‑off.
- Progress monitoring: Weekly MRI or ultrasound scans verify tissue remodeling and prevent setbacks.
Historical Cases: players Missing a World Cup Due to Injury
- Neymar (2014) – Suffered a vertebral fracture in July 2014,missing the tournament’s final stages.
- Marco Reus (2014) – Persistent ankle problems forced him out of the German squad despite being fit in the league.
- Christian Pulisic (2022) – Early‑season ACL injury ruled him out of the Qatar World Cup.
These examples illustrate how clubs and national teams must balance player welfare with competitive objectives,often opting for squad depth over reliance on a single star.
FAQ – Quick Answers
- Will Kudus be fit for the 2026 World Cup?
Unlikely. The projected 12‑week recovery pushes his return to early March 2026, leaving only two months for full match fitness before the tournament.
- Can Tottenham replace Kudus in the January transfer window?
Possible. The club retains a £55 million buy‑back clause on any inbound loan, allowing a swift permanent signing if needed.
- How will this injury affect Kudus’s market value?
Short‑term depreciation is expected (≈ 5‑7 % drop), but his long‑term potential and age keep his valuation robust.
- What does this mean for Tottenham’s title aspirations?
The loss of Kudus’s creativity could cost Spurs 4‑6 points over the next 10 league games, emphasizing the need for tactical versatility and squad rotation.
All data reflects official club statements, medical reports released by Tottenham Hotspur FC, and publicly available data from the Ghana Football Association as of 8 January 2026.
